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Diagnosis and management of myocarditis in athletes

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Current Sports Medicine Reports

Abstract

Myocarditis is a pathologic entity that has serious potential consequences for competitive athletes. Myocarditis is an inflammation of the myocardium accompanied by myocellular necrosis. Cardiotropic viruses, in particular the Coxsackie B virus, have been implicated as the most common cause of acute myocarditis in the United States. A thorough history, physical examination, electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, elevated cardiac enzymes, and an elevated sedimentation rate help make the diagnosis. Athletes recovering from acute myocarditis should abstain from moderate to vigorous activity for 6 months, have normal cardiac function, and have no demonstrable arrhythmia before returning to sports.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Primary Care Sports Medicine, Dewitt Army Community Hospital, 2740 Prosperity Avenue, 22030, Fairfax, VA, USA

    Fred H. Brennan Jr DO

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  1. Fred H. Brennan Jr DO
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  2. Benjamin Stenzler DO
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  3. Ralph Oriscello MD
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Brennan, F.H., Stenzler, B. & Oriscello, R. Diagnosis and management of myocarditis in athletes. Curr Sports Med Rep 2, 65–71 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11932-003-0015-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11932-003-0015-4

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